When the full force of winter hits Ohio’s Miami Valley, it holds nothing back. If that was the moment you discovered a furnace not keeping up with cold spells, you’d be forgiven for feeling a little panicked. Fortunately, you have options for quality heating services in Kettering, OH, from local providers like Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
The first move is to call for professional furnace repair, but you’ll also want to understand why your heating system is struggling to maintain the temperature you’ve set for it. We’ll cover the details below, including what to do about heating trouble.
First, Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your system’s thermostat is the sole control center and tells your furnace to cycle on and off according to its readings. Improper settings could easily be why you’re noticing inefficient furnace operation. If you’re constantly changing the temperature setting, that can also reduce the heating efficiency overall.
Does your thermostat sit near heat sources? Direct sunlight or appliances could also cause improper readings, which might shut down the furnace too soon.
What To Do
- Keep the thermostat set to a steady temperature between 68°F and 72°F.
- Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts heating cycles.
- Make thermostat installation in a central location away from heat sources or drafts.
Once the thermostat settings are correct, move to an air filter check.
Prioritize Air Filter Maintenance
Clogged or dirty air filters cause many heating system problems because blocked filters significantly reduce essential airflow. If you have a furnace not keeping up with cold days and nights, excessive wear and tear is one possibility, but check your filter first. Regularly changing the air filter promotes better airflow and improves your indoor air quality.
What To Do
Replace your standard air filters every 30 to 90 days. Use high-quality filters with a high MERV rating. You might also consider more frequent changes or improved filtration systems if you have pets or any family members who suffer from allergies or respiratory illnesses.
Assess Your Home’s Insulation Quality
Missing or ineffective insulation allows heat to escape too quickly, forcing your furnace to work overtime. Many homes in our area — particularly older properties — lack sufficient insulation in attics, walls, and floors.
What To Do
Add attic insulation of R-38 or higher to better retain heat. You could also support heat loss prevention by using weatherstripping or caulk to seal the gaps in windows, doors, and other openings. Also, insulate basement ceilings and crawl spaces.
Evaluate Your Furnace Capacity
Is the furnace not keeping up with cold spells despite your diligent filter changes and insulation upgrades? Is it too small for the property? A heating capacity problem stands out much more during extreme cold spells.
What To Do
- Let local HVAC professionals do a load calculation to find your home’s ideal furnace.
- Upgrade to a larger unit if your current furnace fails to meet your needs.
- Use space heaters in colder rooms to supplement heating in the short term.
A professional can perfectly match your heating system’s size to your heating demands.
Improve Ductwork Efficiency
Leaky or poorly insulated ducts cause significant heat loss before warm air even reaches your living spaces. That’s an outright waste of the heat you’re paying for.
What To Do
- Schedule a local HVAC expert to inspect the ducts for leaks or disconnected sections, especially in unheated areas like attics and basements.
- Seal duct leaks with foil-backed tape or mastic sealant. Avoid standard duct tape, as it degrades over time.
You can also ask your HVAC service provider to schedule professional duct cleaning. This addresses weak airflow or inconsistencies due to blockages.
Extreme Cold Can Overwhelm Your Furnace
Even a well-maintained furnace can struggle to keep up with freezing temperatures. Support your Kettering, OH, furnace against the challenge.
What To Do
- Keep interior doors open to promote better airflow.
- Run ceiling fans on low (in a clockwise direction) to help distribute warm air.
- Add moisture to the air with a humidifier, as overly dry air feels colder.
Improving the heating indoors with balanced humidity also irritates sinuses and skin less.
Contact Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Complete HVAC System Services in Kettering, OH
Is your furnace not keeping up with cold temperatures? You won’t have to worry about that with regular maintenance to ensure maximum heating and cooling performance in every season. Contact Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today to schedule a service!
If you’d like to continue prioritizing consistent home comfort, you can also read our other posts on topics like dispelling common heating myths.